A Buyers Guide To Cable Detectors

Guide To Cable Detectors

1. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cable Detector
2. Brands & Ranges
3. Recommended Cable Detectors
4. Accessories
5. Training
6. Calibration & Repairs
7. What is a Cable Detector?
8. To Buy or Hire?

We hope our guide to cable detectors helps you make the right decision!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Buried Cable Detection Systems.

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1. Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Cable Detector

There is a lot to consider when trying to choose the right cable detector for you. Here are some things to consider:

• Strike Alert

  – This technology sends an alert to the operator to let them know that they’ve detected something below the surface that is shallow and likely to be struck if work is done. Some cable detectors have this technology but others won’t. If this is something you think would be useful to you, you could consider the gCAT4 or gCAT4+ as they both come with this technology.

• Depth Estimation

  – Some cable detectors will be able to locate a cable or pipe, but aren’t equipped with the technology to give an estimate to the depth. If you require this feature on a budget, you might want to consider the CAT4+ . However, the eCAT4+ has the same technology.

•  GPS/GNSS – An internal GPS/GNSS receiver which adds positional data to log records showing not only how the operator was working, but also where the cable detector was being used. This is useful not only for training but also traceability. You should consider the gCAT4+ if this is a feature you require.

2. Cable Detector Brands & Ranges

Radiodetection

Radiodetection was founded in 1970 and is now considered a market leader in cable avoidance tools.

Radiodetection have produced the amazing C.A.T4™ and Genny4™ ranges of cable avoidance tools to enable users to quickly and safely find buried cables, pipes and other utilities.

With such a wide variety of cable detectors to choose from, you are sure to find something suitable for you!

Their innovative tools reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to utilities on any excavation job where cables and pipes may be encountered.

Radiodetection have used their 30 years of cable avoidance experience to produce the C.A.T4™ range.

The C.A.T4™ range of cable locators offers quality cable location as standard along with a range of excellent features!

Bestselling C.A.T4™ cable detectors to consider include:

View The CAT4™ Range »

Leica ULTRA Range

The Leica ULTRA range of cable locators enable operators to achieve ‘best in class’ locating and tracing expectations.

There are two versions of the locators, the Standard and the Advanced. 

The ULTRA System has unique flexible operating modes to help you easily decide the right mode for your locating application and site conditions. 

Leica ULTRA Features:

• Can be configured for different project environments 
• Ambient Interference Measurements (AIM) 
• Trace utility under an obstruction
• Signal transmitter remote communication link 
• Clear operational display 
• Large clear display with LCD screen
• Custom frequencies
• Compass
• Bluetooth
• Increase transmitter power output between 5W and 12W
• Built for the most challenging and demanding environment
• Selectable Antenna Configurations
• Direction enabled

View the Leica ULTRA range >>

Leica DD Range

The new Leica DD SMART utility locator solution, including the DD230/220 cable locator series, DX Shield software and signal transmitters is the only complete portfolio of detection solutions for utility professionals and anyone who is breaking ground.

The Leica DD SMART utility locator series uses industry-leading digital signal processing to identify underground assets deeper, faster and more accurately than any other system.

View the Leica DD range >>

3. Recommended Cable Detectors

Top Cable Detector

Winner: Radiodetection gCAT4+ 

The gC.A.T4 cable detector includes the StrikeAlert and CALSafe software as standard as well as GPS / GNSS capabilities.

View Now »

Best Budget Cable Detector

Winner: Radiodetection CAT4

The C.A.T4 digital platform delivers highly refined locate capabilities, specifically designed to help the operator find more buried utilities.

View Now »

Best Leica Ultra Cable Detector

Winner: Leica ULTRA Advanced

The Leica ULTRA Advanced provides Leica's most advanced precision utility tracing system with integrated intelligent signal processing and unique flexible operating modes, helping you save time and increase operators confidence.

View Now »

4. What Cable Detector Accessories Will I Need?

Choosing the right accessories for your cable detector allows you to increase its capabilities and improve safety.

Accessories to consider:

• Signal Generator

  – Signal generators work to produce a signal to allow your cable detector to be traced. You should consider the Genny4 Dual Frequency Generator for a CAT4 cable detector.

• Signal Clamps

  – These work alongside a signal generator to identify utilities by applying a generator signal along a pipe or cable. The Radiodetection signal clamp works with the CAT4 range of radio detectors.

• Sondes

  – Sondes help with the detection of non-conductive utilities. Radiodetection offer a range of Sondes for the CAT4 range of detectors. The Standard Sonde is a great place to start!

• Flexitrace

  – Flexitrace helps to locate pipes, ducts and drains – even when made of non-conductive material such as plastic. Click here to see our cable installation range

• Carry Bag

  – If you want to comfortably carry your cable detector you may consider a carry bag. Both Radiodetection and Cabledetection have released individual bags for their own tools. If you use a CAT4 cable detector, consider the Radiodetection Carry Bag

View Our Accessories »

5. Cable Avoidance Training

Buried Utilities represent a major hazard to construction workers and poorly planned excavations can cause cable or pipe damage resulting in personal injury, costly repairs and delays. 

Therefore, it’s so important to have the knowledge you need to avoid these problems and know how to effectively use cable detection tools and other avoidance information!

At One Point Survey, we offer cable and pipe avoidance courses that cover:

• Reasons for using locators
• The theory of locating services
• Safe systems of work covered in HSG47.

All courses are conducted to a high standard using comprehensive slide presentations along with video presentations and supporting samples of products and accessories. Classroom sessions are followed by practical instruction performed outdoors.

Our qualified trainers are all experienced in using cable and pipe locators in a wide range of situations.

One you complete the course all our candidates are issued with a certificate of competence!

It’s easy to get in touch and discuss your individual training course:

Call: 0800 633 5131

Email: info@onepointsurvey.com

Find Out More »

6.Our Calibration and Repair Service

We specialise in the calibration and repair of safety equipment including Cable Detectors.

Our calibration and repair services are designed to be affordable, high-standard and extremely convenient.

Our goal is to maintain optimum working performance and save you money by preventing costly avoidable repairs or replacement of your equipment.

We offer a free, no obligation quote and we can offer door-to-door collection and delivery in many areas of the south of England. 

Call 0800 633 5131 and speak to our service & repair department or email service@onepointsurvey.com 

Find out more >>

7. What is a Cable Detector?

A cable detector is a safety tool used for detecting the presence and location of underground services before excavation works begin. Cable detectors allow workers to safely do their job without any major safety issues, injuries or costly damages.

Cable detectors are made up of two parts; the transmitter and receiver. An electric signal is transferred through a cable pipe by the transmitter and the receiver picks up the signal. This allows the operator to trace the signals path and detect the cable or pipe.

Buried cables and pipes can present a real hazard to construction workers and every year site workers are injured due to inadvertently striking buried utilities such as electricity cables or gas pipelines. 

As industry standards get more and more regulated, it makes sense to buy the best and most recent cable and pipe location technology.

Some popular cable detector ranges include:

Find Out More »

8. Cable Detectors: To Buy or Hire?

If you’ve decided you need a Cable Detector you’ve completed the first step. Next, you need to consider whether it's best to buy or hire your equipment.

To make this decision you must consider how often you will be using the tool. If you require a cable detector for a long period of time and will use it regularly, it's wise to consider buying it outright.

However, if you know you will only use it occasionally, hiring may be a better option.

We offer a hire or buy service of Survey and Safety equipment, including cable detectors and accessories.

Hiring vs Buying »

Contact Us

If you have any queries feel free to contact us.

One of our experienced team will be happy to help

Email: info@onepointsurvey.com

Phone: 0800 633 5131

Contact Us »

Global expansion necessitates the expansion of existing and the development of new utility networks, which inevitably requires companies to undertake excavations to verify utility positions. Any operation to break ground will inevitably bring site operatives in the proximity of live underground utilities and services, the most common being water, gas, power, telecommunications and increasingly fibre networks. As a result, consideration should always be given to knowing the exact location of all buried utilities before and during the excavation process.

Damage to utilities through excavation work creates disruption, not only for the operating network but for the excavating contractor, the end-user and stakeholders as well. The resulting repair costs, loss of service, project delays and bad publicity will impact all parties involved.

Over half of all utility strikes occur to electrical cables, the majority attributed to mini diggers or excavators, airpowered tools and hand tools. A trend that shows a dangerous combination providing the highest risk to all operatives involved in breaking ground.

To safeguard against utility strikes, a cable locator is used for detecting the presence and proximity of buried utilities.

When an alternating current (AC) travels along a cable, an electromagnetic field is generated. The alternating current not only creates a magnetic field but also the oscillation of the current between positive and negative creates a frequency known as Hertz (Hz). The electromagnetic field generated by an AC current can be detected by a cable locator, such as the Leica DD100 Series.

There are two main detection principles:

• Passive location – Used to locate an electromagnetic field already present on a utility
• Active location – Adds a specific signal using a signal transmitter onto a located utility

Passive Location

Some detectable signals may already be present on a buried utility, either through signals radiating from a powercable or the reradiation of very low-frequency radio signals from radio transmitters, which can ‘attach’ themselves to conductive utilities.

Principles behind Power Mode

When an AC current travels along the utility it generates an electromagnetic signal. Using a cable locator (Leica DD100 Series), a surveyor can detect the buried cables’ position by searching for the electromagnetic field.

Locating electrical cables using a cable locator on its own will only allow the operator to detect utilities with a live current, like a street light cable during the night. However, when lights are turned off, no current flows and the buried electrical cable is not detectable using a cable locator.

Principles of Radio Mode

Low frequency long wave radio signals transmitted from a radio mast can pass into the ground, inducing a signal onto metallic utilities. The utilities re-emit these signals and they can be located and traced using a cable locator in RADIO mode.

Principles behind Auto Mode

Leica DD100 Series feature Auto mode, combining the benefit of simultaneous detection in Power and Radio modes. Auto mode helps confirm the presence of utilities on first site visits.

Active Location

Up to 60% of buried utilities could be missed when detecting in passive modes alone. Just because they are not detected in a simple sweep, does not mean they are not there and it is safe to excavate.

A signal cable locator and signal transmitter (Leica DD100 Series) will significantly improve the detection process. This small portable unit induces a signal to a cable or pipe, which can be traced by the cable locator. This is called active locating.

Applying an active signal

A majority of buried utilities may not be detected by searching for passive signals using the locator on its own. These hidden utilities may not carry a live current or radiate radio signals, requiring a signal to be induced directly onto the utility to locate them. To detect these additional utilities, an electrical current or signal will need to be applied onto the buried metallic utility, which enables the utility to be traced and identified by the locator.

Induction mode

Induction is a quick and simple way to apply a signal to a utility without the need to make any physical connection. An internal aerial generates a magnetic field into the ground. Any buried metallic utilities routed within close proximity to the signal transmitter will be induced with the signal, allowing the utility to be located and traced with a cable locator.

Connection mode

This is the most efficient way of applying a signal to a utility and should be used whenever possible (especially when taking a depth reading). The output from the signal transmitter can be directly connected to a cable or pipe. A circuit is completed by a connection to an earth stake or ground connection point.

Applying a signal directly to the utility allows the operator to positively identify and trace its path.

Locating the signal

To detect the magnetic fields emitted from a buried utility, the locator uses aerials built up of wire wrapped around ferrite rods. The aerials are used to amplify the small electromagnetic signals emitted by the utility and to provide an input to the locators’ circuitry.

Leica DD100 Series features an enhanced Signal Strength Indicator (SSI), a graphical display detailing the signal strength as a bar graph and a numerical SSI reading. The highest signal reading (peak response) is obtained when the utility is directly below the locator.